Camera Module Test Apparatus with Stationary Focusing Chart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for testing camera modules are cumbersome and prone to lens damage due to complex driving mechanisms and inaccurate focus measurements, especially when conducting fixed focus controlling and AF driving tests with bulky focusing chart units.
Innovation Solution
A camera module test and focus controlling apparatus with integrated driving units, including a motorized socket frame, lifting mechanism, rotary plate, and collet unit, allows for simultaneous fixed focus controlling, image testing, and AF driving tests with a single device, preventing contact pressure on the lens unit and maintaining a stationary focusing chart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bulky focusing chart unit is used for fixed focus test, then the focus control function is achieved, but the driving mechanism becomes complicated and the risk of lens damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the heavy focusing chart unit down to the lens, the patent inverts the approach by moving the camera module (with the lens) up to meet the stationary focusing chart unit. This eliminates the need for a complex driving mechanism to support the heavy chart unit while achieving the same focus testing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a lightweight virtual focusing chart (first focusing chart) displayed on a screen as a substitute for the heavy physical focusing chart unit. This virtual copy provides the same focus testing functionality without the weight and complexity issues of the physical chart unit.
2Manufacturing precision
If the collet unit descends excessively for fixed focus control, then the focus adjustment is achieved, but the lens unit is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the relative motion: instead of the collet unit descending to the lens, the camera module ascends to the collet unit. This inversion prevents excessive descent that could damage the lens while achieving the same focus adjustment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lifting mechanism as an intermediary that precisely controls the upward movement of the camera module. This mediator ensures the lens approaches the focusing chart unit in a controlled manner, preventing excessive contact pressure and potential damage.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used for fixed focus controlling, image test, and AF driving test, then each test function is achieved, but the testing process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate testing devices (fixed focus controller, image test device, AF driving test device) into a single integrated testing apparatus. This merging allows all three test functions to be performed in one setup, reducing the overall testing time while maintaining the precision of each individual test through dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, where a single device structure supports multiple test functions (fixed focus control, image testing, and AF driving test). The system can switch between different test modes using the same basic infrastructure, eliminating the need to reconfigure between separate devices and significantly reducing testing time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and accurate fixed focus controlling and AF driving tests with a single device, reducing the risk of lens damage and improving measurement precision by simplifying the driving mechanism and maintaining a stationary focusing chart.
Implementation Method 1
a socket frame which is positioned on one upper side of the base, and is rotated by the first actuator
Implementation Method 2
socket boards which are positioned on both sides of the socket frame, are lifted up and down by the second actuator
Implementation Method 3
a rotary plate which is rotated by the third actuator by being combined with the upper part of the rotational shaft, and is mounted with a lens and an illuminating unit therebetween
Implementation Method 4
a collet unit which is positioned in the upper part of the base, is disposed in a vertical line of the socket boards, and is rotated by a fourth actuator equipped in the upper part of the base
Implementation Method 5
a rotary plate which is rotated by the third actuator by being combined with the upper part of the rotational shaft, and is mounted with a lens and an illuminating unit therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module test and focus controlling apparatus includes: a base with four actuators therein; a socket frame on one upper side of the base, and rotated by a first actuator; socket boards on both sides of the frame, lifted and lowered by a second actuator, and mounted with a camera module; a collet unit on the upper part of the base, disposed in vertical alignment with the boards, and rotated by a fourth actuator on the base; a rotational shaft on the base upper part, and connected to one side of a third actuator; a plate on an upper part of the shaft rotated by the third actuator, having a lens and an illuminating unit thereon; a first chart unit on the plate; and a second chart unit parallel with the base upper part, fixed to an upper part of a connection member vertically extended from the base.